Reflections of Very-High-Frequency Radio Waves from Meteoric Ionization

Abstract

The reflection of v.h.f. radio waves by ionization, produced by the passage of meteors through the upper atmosphere, results in echoes of short duration. For frequencies between 40 and 50 Mc. the duration is usually not more than a few tenths of a second, although infrequently one of several seconds duration is observed. The characteristics of the echoes as determined by measurements are discussed, and correlations shown between the distributions of occurrence and the theoretical and observed distributions of meteors. The observations indicate that the reflection cannot be treated as specular, but that the reflected waves form a lobe in the direction of the reflected ray which would exist if the reflection were specular.